Mexican Firewheel
Imagine walking through a meadow full of wildflowers along the banks of the San Antonio River. You notice as sunlight strikes the flowers at just the right angle the riverside looks like it is on fire! The warm colors of the petals gently sway with the breeze making them dance like flames at your knees. Mexican firewheel, the common name for Gaillardia pulchella, perfectly describes the rich color pattern of these native wildflowers. Beautiful red petals with yellow tips encircle the dark brown and purple center of this annual, reminiscent of a campfire. Found across Texas, Mexican firewheels not only resemble the flames of a fire, but actually benefit from fire. That’s right, you read “benefit from fire.”
This hardy drought resistant flowering plant is perfectly adapted to the climate of South Texas, where Nature intended to have fires once in a while. Ecologist utilize a land management best practice called prescribed fire or controlled burning that mimics these natural fires. These purposeful and controlled fires improve ecological function by removing invasive species, debris, pests, and disease as well as restore nutrients to the soil. “But wait!” you might say, “Wouldn’t these annuals just burn in the fire?” Well, yes, Mexican firewheels are not fireproof and they will catch on fire. The magic begins after the prescribed fire because the improved ecology offers better growing and germinating conditions for Mexican firewheels, almost like a doctor prescribing medicine.
During the months of April through June, I encourage you to look for this wheel of fire on a stem the next time you are recreating along the San Antonio River. The Mexican firewheel provides seeds and nectar to birds and insects, making it a critical part of a balanced and sustainable food web. Keep an eye out for it, because this wildflower is on fire!
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